NOA Marks 25th Annual General Meeting and Silver Jubilee Celebration with Cultural Pride, Community Recognition, and
Leadership Transition.

The Newah Organization of America (NOA) successfully concluded its 25th Annual General Meeting and Silver Jubilee Celebration at Seneca Valley High School on May 16, 2026, bringing together more than 350 community members, guests, artists, volunteers, founders, past presidents, life members, youth, and well-wishers to honor 25 years of cultural preservation, community service, and Newah identity in the United States.

The Silver Jubilee celebration highlighted NOA’s continuing role as a leading Newah community institution in the diaspora. The event brought together traditional ceremony, organizational accountability, leadership recognition, artistic presentation, and the formal transition to a newly elected Executive Committee for the 2026-2028 term.

The event was honored by the presence of Chief Guest Ms. Aruna Ghising, Counselor at the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, DC; Guest Speaker Mr. Manohar Shrestha, President of the World Newah Organization (WNO); and Special Guest Mr. Ganesh Lal Kayastha, senior founding member of NOA along with the current president of NOA- Mr. Mahindra Pradhan. Their participation underscored the significance of NOA’s Silver Jubilee as a milestone for the Newah and Nepali diaspora community.

The celebration opened with a vibrant ceremonial reception rooted in Newah tradition. Guests were welcomed with a traditional procession featuring live Dhime instrumentals, Kumari dance, Lakhey dance, Guruju Paltan, and greetings by Pancha Kanyas. Distinguished guests and senior founders were honored with traditional Khada, and the ceremonial lighting of Twadewa and Sukunda symbolized the cultural and spiritual grounding of the day.

In their remarks, Ms. Ghising recognized NOA’s continued contribution to preserving Nepali culture and strengthening diaspora unity. Mr. Manohar Shrestha congratulated NOA on reaching its historic Silver Jubilee milestone and acknowledged its long-standing commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement. Mr. Ganesh Lal Kayastha reflected on NOA’s founding vision in 2001, paid tribute to founding President the late Bed Pradhan, and emphasized the responsibility to pass Newah heritage to future generations and Mr. Mahindra Pradhan gave best wishes to the newly elected team for continued progress and success in the coming term A central highlight of the Silver Jubilee program was NOA’s recognition of its Founding Members and Past Presidents. Founders were honored for their pioneering vision, sacrifice, and dedication in establishing NOA as a cultural and community institution. Past Presidents were recognized for their leadership legacy and their contributions to organizational growth, governance, and continuity over the last 25 years.

NOA also presented recognition awards across several areas of community service, cultural leadership, executive service, chapter engagement, media and technical support, sponsorship, youth achievement, life membership, and preservation of sacred cultural traditions, including recognition of Kumari Maaju. These recognitions reflected NOA’s appreciation for the many individuals, families, partners, and institutions that have shaped and sustained the organization.

During the Annual General Meeting, President Mr. Mahindra Man Singh Pradhan chaired the session. First Vice President Mr. Rajesh Lal Shrestha delivered the welcome address, General Secretary Ms. Babita Shrestha presented the annual activities report, Treasurer Mr. Navin Mohan Ranjit presented the financial report, and Scholarship Program Coordinator (past president)-Mr. Rajesh Shrestha and NOA’s chapter Coordinator (Past President)- Mr. Ram Lal Shrestha shared updates reflecting NOA’s continuing programs, transparency, and outreach.

Newah Organization of America (NOA) 1

The Silver Jubilee Edition of LASKUS 2026 led by Mr. Uday Shrestha, was formally unveiled during the program, recognizing the editorial team and creative contributors who helped document NOA’s 25-year journey, community memory, and cultural legacy.

The event also marked an important leadership transition. The Election Committee formally announced the election results
and administered the oath of office to incoming President Mr. Rajesh Lal Shrestha and the newly elected Executive Committee for the 2026-2029 term. The new team includes Mr. Divakar Dhaubhadel, 1st Vice President; Ms. Babita Shrestha, 2nd Vice President; Mr. Pratik Shrestha, General Secretary; Mr. Sachin Vaidya, Secretary; Mr. Navin Mohan Ranjit, Treasurer; Mr. Amit Khadgi, Executive Member; Ms. Jyotsna Shrestha Kayastha, Executive Member; and Ms. Sharmila Shrestha McWilliams, Executive Member.

NOA extends sincere appreciation to the outgoing Executive Committee and President Mr. Mahindra Man Singh Pradhan for
their exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and commitment to strengthening NOA’s programs, governance, and community presence during their term.

Following his inauguration, President Rajesh Lal Shrestha expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the membership and reaffirmed his commitment to continuing NOA’s annual programs with quality, expanding community-based services, and strengthening collaboration with other organizations to serve the Newah community and broader society.

The Silver Jubilee cultural program showcased the depth and creativity of Newah and Nepali performing arts through traditional,
fusion, vocal, instrumental, dance, and theatrical presentations. The program featured artists who traveled from outside Maryland, including Jems Pradhan and Nalina Chitrakar, along with many DMV-based singers Mr. Sanjeeb Pradhan, Ms. Sarishma Pradhan, Mr. Srijan Tamrakar, Mr. Sugandha Shrestha, performers, dancers from KC dance Studio, Nritya Mandap and individual dance groups, musicians, youth artists, and community cultural leaders.

A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of Rajamati, a Nepal Bhasa musical drama staged as part of the Silver Jubilee cultural program. The production was contributed by The Himalayan Vibes (THV), NOA’s media partner house, and represented a meaningful contribution to Newah performing arts in the diaspora.

“For 25 years, NOA has carried the responsibility of preserving Newah heritage while building a shared community home for families, youth, artists, volunteers, and leaders. This Silver Jubilee is both a tribute to those who built NOA and a commitment to carry our culture forward with dignity, quality, and unity.”

NOA expresses heartfelt appreciation to all founders, past presidents, advisors, executive members, volunteers, performers, sponsors, media partners, technical teams, chapters, life members, youth participants, families, and community members whose dedication made the 25th Annual General Meeting and Silver Jubilee Celebration a memorable success.

About Newah Organization of America

The Newah Organization of America (NOA) is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Newah heritage, culture, language, traditions, and values. Through cultural, educational, social, and community service initiatives, NOA provides an inclusive platform for community engagement, leadership development, intergenerational connection, and continued ties with Nepal and the Newah diaspora.

For more information about NOA and its programs, please visit: www.newah.org / Newah Organization of America Official Website Newah Organization of America (NOA) 2